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Baylor might be back with Angels by end of April

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Baylor hurt on Vlad's pitch 0:59

3/31/14: Don Baylor is injured after catching a ceremonial first pitch from former Angel Vlad Guerrero

By Alden Gonzalez
/
MLB.com |

ANAHEIM -- Angels hitting coach Don Baylor is currently in physical therapy, and manager Mike Scioscia is hopeful that he can rejoin the team in a limited capacity when it returns from a three-city road trip for the April 28 series opener against the Indians.

It'll still be a while before Baylor can be in the dugout during games, and even longer before he can travel with the team. But Baylor, who suffered a fractured right femur while catching the ceremonial first pitch thrown by Vladimir Guerrero on Opening Day, may be able to work with hitters and attend pregame meetings before home games in about 13 days.

"Don's a tough guy," Scioscia said prior to Tuesday's game against the A's. "He's anxious to get back. We've texted a lot. He's in touch with [hitting coaches] Dave [Hansen] and Paul [Sorrento] on a daily basis. He's still keeping tabs on everything that's going on."

Baylor was discharged from UCI Medical Center on April 4, three days post-op. Based on his initial prognosis, the 64-year-old still is at least three weeks away from being able to put weight on his right side, so he'd probably be getting around on a walker upon returning to Angel Stadium. Baylor is currently recovering at his home in La Quinta, Calif.

Scioscia said he doesn't "anticipate Don back in full force for a while," adding: "Even being here and being in the dugout, getting involved; I'm not sure when that's going to be."